Writing a will in Islam is not optional planning. It is responsibility. It protects your family, prevents disputes, and ensures your wealth is distributed according to Sharīʿah.


How to Write a Will the Islamic Way?


1. Do Not Delay Writing It

The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَا حَقُّ امْرِئٍ مُسْلِمٍ لَهُ شَيْءٌ يُوصِي فِيهِ يَبِيتُ لَيْلَتَيْنِ إِلَّا وَوَصِيَّتُهُ مَكْتُوبَةٌ عِنْدَهُ

“It is not right for a Muslim who has something to bequeath to stay two nights without having his will written with him.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2738 | Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1627]

Delay creates risk. Write it while healthy.


2. List All Debts Clearly

Debts must be paid before inheritance is distributed.

Allah says:

مِن بَعْدِ وَصِيَّةٍ يُوصِي بِهَا أَوْ دَيْنٍ

“After any bequest he makes or debt.”
[Qur’an 4:11]

Include:

  • Loans

  • Unpaid mahr

  • Zakat owed

  • Business obligations

  • Burial expenses including burial plot, shrouding, etc.

  • Expiations (Kaffarah) for unfulfilled fasts (with fidyah required), broken oaths requiring kaffarah, etc.

Debts are serious. The Prophet ﷺ delayed praying over someone who died with unpaid debt until it was settled.
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2289]


3. Specify Up to One-Third for Optional Bequests

You may allocate up to one-third of your estate for non-heirs or charity.

The Prophet ﷺ said to Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ:

الثُّلُثُ وَالثُّلُثُ كَثِيرٌ

“One-third, and one-third is much.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2742 | Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1628]

You cannot give inheritance shares to heirs through the will. Fixed shares are already assigned by Allah.


4. Do Not Alter Qur’anic Inheritance Shares

Allah says:

يُوصِيكُمُ اللَّهُ فِي أَوْلَادِكُمْ

“Allah instructs you concerning your children…”
[Qur’an 4:11]

Inheritance shares are detailed in Sūrah al-Nisāʾ. They are not customizable based on preference.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَعْطَىٰ كُلَّ ذِي حَقٍّ حَقَّهُ فَلَا وَصِيَّةَ لِوَارِثٍ

“Allah has given each rightful person their right, so there is no bequest for an heir.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2870 | Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ]


5. Appoint a Trustworthy Executor

Choose someone reliable who understands Islamic inheritance or will consult scholars.

Allah says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا

“Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”
[Qur’an 4:58]

Execution matters as much as writing.


6. Include Guardianship for Minor Children

If you have young children, appoint a guardian who will preserve their dīn and wellbeing.

Faith protection is more important than financial management.


7. Make It Legally Valid Where You Live

An Islamic will should also comply with local legal requirements so it is enforceable. Without legal validity, your estate may not be distributed Islamically.


8. Keep It Updated

Marriage, divorce, children, financial changes — update your will accordingly.

Responsibility is ongoing.